Hyderabad, 15 August
Two Arrested for Illegal Manufacture, Sale of Snacks in Hyderabad
The Hyderabad Commissioner’s Task Force, Shamshabad Zone, has arrested two persons for allegedly manufacturing and distributing food products using expired or substandard ingredients, police said on Saturday, August 15.
The accused have been identified as Mohammad Khaleed, owner of KSM Food Products in Balapur, and Santosh Kumar, the firm’s manager.
Task Force raids snack manufacturing unit
Acting on a tip-off, the Commissioner’s Task Force conducted a raid on the food manufacturing unit located in Bongloor village under Adibatla Municipality in Ranga Reddy district.
During the raid, police allegedly found food products and raw materials being stored and handled in unhygienic conditions. Two Arrested for Illegal Manufacture, Sale of Snacks in Hyderabad.
The seized items included jars of soan papdi, chikki, unlabelled flavours, ingredients, jaggery, dry fruits, flour and coconut powder.
According to police, the total value of the seized food products and raw materials was approximately Rs 4.07 lakh.
Accused allegedly used expired ingredients
Police said Khaleed had started the business but later found that the earnings were insufficient to sustain the operation.
According to the police, Khaleed and his manager, Santosh Kumar, allegedly decided to use expired or substandard flavours and ingredients to make money.
The allegations are part of the ongoing investigation.
The premises were also reportedly found to be maintained in unhygienic conditions, raising concerns over the safety and quality of the food products manufactured there.
Accused handed over to Adibatla Police
Following the raid, the information was passed on to the H-FAST Team. The two accused and the seized food products and raw materials were subsequently handed over to the Adibatla Police for further action.
The Adibatla Police registered a case under Section 275 (sale of noxious food or drinks) and Section 318(4) (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Further investigation is underway.
Hyderabad Police issue food safety advisory
The Hyderabad Police appealed to consumers to remain vigilant about the quality and safety of food products they purchase.
People have been advised to check the manufacturing date, expiry date and best-before date before purchasing or consuming packaged food.
Police also urged consumers to avoid food products that are expired, damaged, improperly labelled or handled in unhygienic conditions.